The first production models of the Fritschi Freeride Plus were released during late winter 2006. The binding is an incremental improvement in performance, with a red plastic base plate that’s mostly cosmetic but might have a slight effect in terms of binding stability during aggressive skiing. On the test bench this binding is virtually identical in side twisting flex to the previous model Freeride, and weighs one ounce more per binding. No doubt responding to several years of complaints by skiers of the Fritschi “back seat” feeling, the Plus has slightly more ramp angle (toe lower then heel), and ramp angle can easily be increased by mounting without the front baseplate. As of 2015 this is quite humorous, as the usual desire is for less ramp, rather than mor.

Former Freeride bindings would sometimes come unlatched when the ski flexed during aggressive skiing. This was caused by the tabs on the sides of the catch sliding back and forth and eventually popping out from under the part meant to hold them. The new feature allows the catches to remain engaged with with the latch while everything else moves. Check out the video.

Another view of the ant insta-tele feature, showing the red plastic tabs engaged under the latch.

Detail of anti insta-tele.

Bottom of heel unit showing legs (with holes) that rest on ski. These are farther apart and longer than those of previous models, and are said to make the binding more stable.

Rear base plate. Legs fit on outside of ribs, binding rail fits in the central slot. Again, the idea is to make the binding more stable but bench testing shows little difference between this model and previous.Rear base plate. Legs fit on outside of ribs, binding rail fits in the central slot. Again, the idea is to make the binding more stable but bench testing shows little difference between this model and previous.

Front plate is totally cosmetic. The binding can be mounted without this for more ramp angle, though this model has more ramp angle than previous models.

Welcome to Louis (Lou) Dawson's backcountry skiing information & opinion website. Lou's passion for the past 50 years has been alpinism, climbing, mountaineering and skiing -- along with all manner of outdoor recreation. He has authored numerous books and articles about ski touringand is well known as the first person to ski down all 54 of Colorado's 14,000-foot peaks, otherwise known as the Fourteeners! Books and free ski touring news and information here.

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